On the Menagerie of the World & Nature of the Ecclesium

Ezreal's personal trails did not begin and end with his Kabalite upbringing, but, to the extend that his heritage defined his self-image, so too did it define his troubles. That a practitioner of those forbidden Crinoan arts would be lit as a lamppost for the way of the Lady has caused two distinct schools of thought to emerge: the Redemptive School and the Conscriptive School.
The Redemptivists claim that the Lady specifically called Ezreal in order for him to be redeemed from his path of darkness to show that Hers is a path that welcomes all into the fold. By this narrative, then, Ezreal's pride hardened him from being a true Follower of the Blessed, thus leading to his eventual Sundering from the Heart of Peace and inevitable death. But this interpretation cannot be correct. Ezreal's Sundering, as we have already explored, was not divine retribution for his sins, but rather an act of selfless mercy by the Lady in order to protect Her child from Xibalba. In failing to recognize the universal nature of the Lady's promise at Valk Nord, "Fear not, brothers & sisters, for your place is set and your mother awaits," the Redemptivists inadvertently restrict the Blessed One to being bound by the wills of the peoples. Let not this heresy persist.
The Conscriptivists for their part claim that the Lady did not so much "call" Ezreal as she did use him to press forward the Front for Justice. Many are granted some share in the Goddess's power and protection, but few are granted the Goddess's blessing, or so they claim. The Conscriptivists specifically point to Ezreal's many known unanswered calls to the Lady during battle. Her occasional deaf ear is proof enough they claim that Ezreal was never a true follower but simply a pawn needed to play a small part in The Cosmic Battle. The Conscriptivists, however, disregard the Fundamental Act of Monica, Choice. Even the Court Mage of Crinoa Aldinok was given the choice to turn from his path and embrace the light. When he refused, the Lady made use of his choices, but she did not force his hand. To present The Lady of Love as but a puppetmaster reduces her to an emanation of Mafren. Let not that heresy persist.
How then do we interpret Ezreal's rank amongst the Followers of the Blessed? We have, in fact, already seen the answer, and it again lies in the Fundamental Act, choice. Monica shows us that the sins of our ancestors are not ours to bear. Yes, the Kabalites under the dark hand of Uysie conducted terrible, horrible acts. But, in calling Ezreal true and clear to walk her path as he were, Monica reveals truth renewed that responsibility begins and ends with the individual. This is both invigorating and terrifying. To walk free of the burden of your ancestors is a gift, but we are simultaneously called to recognize that responsibility is zero-sum. Did I, her humble servant, war against the Kobalds in Tucker's Campaign? No, and I am not responsible for those sins. But, did I grow up continuing to enjoy the fruits of those stolen lands? I did, and for that I will be brought to account.
Ezreal Crownguard shows us that Monica holds very few paths to be truly evil. He stands as a timely beacon that the Lady firmly rejects the Inquisition of the Kabalites. Monica reminds us, in her divine wisdom, that what matters is how we walk the path we chose--whether we serve ourselves and exploit our neighbors or we reject ourselves in service to our neighbors. This choice, and this choice alone, is what will determine where we stand in the final Battle.

Type

Manuscript, Religious